Jordan is an ideal destination for a one-week adventure. Bursting with things to see and do this trip includes the best of what this magnificent country has to offer, visiting all the major sites of interest. Take two full days to explore the so called 'rose-red city' of Petra and a guided visit around Jerash, one of the best preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. There is time to 'float' in the salty waters of the Dead Sea and snorkel (optional) over the beautiful coral reefs of the Red Sea. Experience the fabulous scenery in the desert at Wadi Rum, where we take a 4WD excursion into the more remote regions and camp out like the Bedouin.

Highlights

Discover Petra's secrets, with two full days at the labyrinthine rose-red city

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Day 2

This morning drive north to Jerash, known as Gerasa in ancient times. This was one of the ten wealthy, self-governing cities of the Decapolis during Roman times, and was famous throughout the Roman world for the luxury of its lifestyle. Buried for centuries under blown sand, Jerash is the only city of the Decapolis to have survived, with a dramatic oval forum, colonnaded main streets which remarkably have the drains still intact, two theatres and the impressive temple of Zeus. After a good look around head back to Amman for a city tour including the Citadel, the Roman Theatre and the old city.

Amman West or similar

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 3

Today is a long driving day down the King's Highway up and down huge 'wadis' (valleys). There are several stops of interest en route including Madaba, known as the city of the mosaics, Mt Nebo and Kerak, which is a magnificent fortified town. Further south reach the magnificent city of Petra; Jordan's premier historic site and one of the world's most outstanding ancient cities.

Amra Palace Hotel or similar

Meals included:
Breakfast

Days 4-5

Two days to explore Petra, the so called rose-red city, 'half as old as time'. Petra was hidden for centuries until the Swiss explorer Burckhardt made his great discovery in 1812. It was founded by the Nabateans, an Arab tribe that arrived here in the 6th century BC. Building at Petra began in the third century BC and continued through the Roman period, financed by taxes levied on the desert caravans. Two features of Petra are unique: firstly, it is a city made defensible by being built down a series of chasms, rather than on a hilltop. Secondly, it is built directly into the rock - beautiful red and yellow sandstone carved into the most impressive facades which glow in the brilliant sunlight.

To enter Petra there is a walk down a narrow chasm, known as the Siq, surrounded by high cliffs on either side. Unveiled at the end of the Siq is El Khazneh, the Treasury. This is just the first breathtaking sight of a remarkable day. Continuing to the centre of the city, pass the houses and tombs of the rich citizens and the remarkable scale of the site begins to unveil itself. A long walk beyond the centre is El Deir, the monastery, with its superb facade topped by a huge urn (the walk up is by a series of steps). This walk is optional so you may or may not want to include it in your day.

On the second day explore the site further and there is the option to have the guide take you to the High place of sacrifice. This can be quite arduous and is not recommended for those who are unsure of their fitness. However, those who do make it to the top are rewarded with wonderful views over parts of the site visited on the previous day.

Amra Palace or similar

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 6

This morning drive south on the Desert Highway to Wadi Rum. This world heritage site is where dramatic sandstone mountains rise from the sandy desert floor and Lawrence of Arabia and Prince Faisal assembled the Arab tribes for the attack on Aqaba in the First World War. It is also where sections of the 1962 epic film were shot.

Take a 2-hour 4x4 jeep trip to explore some of the highlights of the protected area. Visiting the main popular sights, there is time to sample bedouin tea and then watch the sunset from the vantage point of a rock formation. Back at the camp enjoy Bedouin hospitality and dinner.

Permanent Bedouin tents

Meals included:
Breakfast
Dinner

Day 7

Wake amidst the dramatic desert scenery and enjoy breakfast in this picturesque setting. Travel on to Jordan's port and holiday resort, famous for beautiful coral reefs. There is time to relax on a local beach with transport and entrance included. Add to the experience by hiring snorkelling equipment for a swim over the coral reef watching out of colourful fish. Please note snorkelling can be arranged and paid for on the day. There is a local bazaar and several restaurants in Aqaba and it is easy to explore on foot from the hotel.

La Costa Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 8

Leaving the Red sea behind head to the Dead sea which is one of the most fascinating places on earth. Free time to experience floating and trying the dead sea mud then cooling off in one of the swimming pools or taking a cocktail at the bar. This evening enjoy a buffet dinner.

Essential Info

Visas

Jordan

Visas are required by most nationalities, including British, and can be obtained at the border or Amman airport. At time of print, visa fees (usually 40JOD) have been waived for all nationalities travelling to Jordan with a tour operator and spending a minimum of 2 nights in country. Our airport representative will meet and assist you with obtaining the free visa on arrival in Jordan at Customs & Immigration. He will be carrying an Exodus sign.

Vaccinations

Jordan

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts and two dinners are included at the Wadi Rum camp and the Dead Sea resort. For other meals there are restaurant a number of restaurant choices although these are more limited in Petra. Allow about £200-£250 (approx. US$320-400) to cover meals. If you are vegetarian, please note that main meals are limited in choice; however, mezze is almost always available in restaurants and is a good, filling choice. There is also a good choice of seafood available when at the Red Sea. While camping the food provided consists of rice with a selection of chicken, lamb and vegetables.

Weather

Spring and autumn are very popular as it is cooler at around 24ºC in the day and down to 8ºC at night. Rain is more likely but protracted bad weather is unlikely. Summer in Jordan is hot and dry but not unpleasant. Daytime maximum temperatures are around 32ºC in Amman. Aqaba is very hot when the air is still, but there is usually a breeze. Rain is unusual but possible. In winter it is generally crisp and warm in the day, approximately 10-15ºC. However desert temperatures can approach freezing or below at night. There are even occasions when it snows in Jordan during winter.

Is this trip for you?

Although this is a cultural trip, some days (such as those in Petra) can be long and tiring. To walk up to the Monastery which involves 750 steps you should have a reasonable level of fitness. Your guide for Petra will be able to provide you with further advice about the walks in this amazing site

In very rare instances we may need to amend the order of the itinerary but we will ensure that all the elements are still included and site visits are of the same duration.

RamadanThe holy month of Ramadan runs from 5th of May to the 4th of June 2019 . During this time the opening hours to sites and museums may be affected by an hour or two. The timing of your itinerary will be adapted to accommodate this. Purchasing snacks and meals during the day may also be affected as some shops may be closed. Please note that the energy levels of our local staff may be a bit lower during this period. That said, Ramadan is a special time to visit a Muslim country - each evening the streets empty for an hour while everyone breaks their fast, and there's a feeling of festivity in the air at night.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Accommodation

Hotels and camping

Spend 2 nights in a 4-star hotel in Amman, 3 nights in a standard hotel in Petra, 1 night in a 4-star hotel in Aqaba and the final night in a 5-star hotel at the Dead sea. One night is spent in a desert camp in Wadi Rum.

Throughout the tour we use hotels with en suite facilities and air conditioning. Some hotels have more facilities than others however it is always good to keep in mind that the star rating in Jordan is quite different to what you may expect at home. Sometimes we may use less centrally located hotels in the interests of comfort. Accommodation in Petra is limited and demands on the infrastructure are high; this creates occasional problems with hot water and plumbing for all hotels. In general, the hotels in Petra are of an older style and more basic in comparison with the rest of Jordan.

At the Wadi Rum camp there are traditional style tents equipped with basic beds, sheets and blankets. There are plumbed toilets and basins, and simple shower facilities with (limited) hot water.

Dates & Prices

Please provide as much information as possible below so we can best help with your holiday requirements.

Fields with * are mandatory.

Please provide as much information as possible below so we can best help with your holiday requirements.

Fields with * are mandatory.

An overview of flight options

Exodus is committed to making joining our tours as easy as possible, wherever you live. We generally only block book seats from London, but this certainly does not mean that you need to fly from there. Depending on the route and airlines available, there will usually be various options available for those who want to fly from their local airport.

This page aims to provide a useful overview of the options available to our clients. However, the best flight arrangements should be tailored to your personal requirements, so please contact our Sales team for expert advice.

What kind of options do I have ?

1. We can book for you: Flights from anywhere in the world - not via London

Depending on the route, this may be direct or via an overseas hub like Amsterdam, the Middle East or elsewhere. On short haul routes there may be direct flights with low cost airlines, charter flights or scheduled airlines. Exodus can book most, but not all, of these for you. The most appropriate airline may be different to that which we use for the group flight from London, but many people now travel on different airlines and meet up with their fellow passengers at the destination.

Pros

Cons

May be the most direct route

Often the extra fare compared to the London flight is minimal.

As you will be in the hands a single airline for your entire journey, the airline will be responsible for your bags and your connections.

You may not be able to join the group transfers. However, we can usually arrange private transfers, or book your flights to try and coincide with the group transfers. See notes on transfer arrangements below.

2. We can book for you: Connecting flights from your local airport to London

Exodus can book connecting flights to London so you can join the group flight there. Connecting times will be followed according to airline advice, or as requested by clients. There are two types of fares we can use for this option: a 'through-fare' or a 'published fare'.

a) A 'through-fare' is where you will be in the main airline's care throughout. You change planes, but your bags are checked all the way through to your final destination.

b) A 'published fare' ticket is completely seperate from your onward ticket from London. It is usually cheaper than a through-fare but will need to be paid for and issued as soon as it is booked. This can be a problem if your tour has not yet reached minimum numbers. On 'published fares' neither airline is aware that you have connecting flights, so Exodus is responsible for timing your connection, not the airlines involved. The tickets are also usually non changeable and non refundable.

Pros

Cons

Depending on the fare type, Exodus or the airline is responsible for flight connections.

Through fare tickets can be expensive.

On a published fare, tickets must be issued immediately; tickets on published fares can be very difficult to change if onward flight times change; bags are not checked though to your final destination.

Published fares are non-refundable.

3. Booking some or all of the flights yourself

You can also book connecting air travel yourself, either to London, or all the way to the start point. There may be certain airlines or routes we don't have access to, so this is always an option. However, if you make your own travel arrangements you become liable for any delays, cancellations or missed connections, and Exodus is not required to offer refunds if you have trouble reaching the start of your trip.

Pros

Cons

You might find cheaper fares, or routes not available to Exodus.

You are responsible for any delays or missed connections, and the cost of the tour is not protected should you miss your flight be cancelled.

Notes on transfer arrangements

Sometimes it is possible to travel on a different airline to the group flight from London. Where this is the case, we need to think about ensuring you meet up with the group with minimum extra cost and hassle.

On certain trips, it is easy to arrive on a different flight and still meet the group at the hotel with time in hand. We can usually arrange private transfers (at extra cost) or offer advice on taking a taxi to the start hotel.

On other trips (especially in Europe), the transfer meets the group flight and then travels some distance to the first night's accommodation. Where this is the case, our Sales team will try to arrange flights that arrive before (and depart after) the group. However, we do have to make it clear in your final documentation that if your flights are delayed, the transfer cannot wait for you. While Exodus or our local operators will do what we can to help you reach the start point of the tour, any additional costs must be paid by the client.

Next steps?

Not found the date you’re looking for? We can organise this itinerary as aPrivate Adventure– just click on the tab above the list of dates and prices, let us know your preferred dates of travel and how many people are travelling, and we’ll do the rest!